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Wednesday, June 26, 2024
The following is a review of The Woodlands Township's regularly scheduled Board of Directors meeting. Meeting agendas are posted to the Township website 72 hours in advance of each meeting. Boardroom Briefings are distributed via email and posted to the Township website within one to two business days following each meeting.
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The Woodlands High School Boys Golf Team
The Board of Directors proclaimed June 26, 2024, as The Woodlands High School Boys Golf Team Day in The Woodlands. The golf team has a storied history of success, including state championships in 1992, 2002, 2005, 2007, and 2012. The 2024 team, consisting of seniors Daniel Zou and Caden Cox, sophomores Cooper Paull and Abhay Duggal, and freshman Tripp Depoy, competed in the Class 6A UIL state tournament, finishing in second place with a score of 575. Sophomore Cooper Paull won the individual state championship with a score of 138, becoming the second individual state champion in the school's history and earning the title of All-Greater Houston Boys Golfer of the Year. The team also won the District 13-6A and Region II-6A championships under Coach Erik Noski.
Pictured left to right: Director Cindy Heiser, Secretary Linda Nelson, Chairman Dr. Ann K. Snyder, Golf Team Coach Erik Noski, Golf Team Member Caden Cox, Golf Team Member Tripp Depoy, Director Dr. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs and Treasurer Richard Franks.
Parks and Recreation Month
The Woodlands Township Board of Directors proclaimed the month of July 2024 as Parks and Recreation Month in The Woodlands. The Township supports its extensive network of parks, pools, pathways, greenbelts, recreation centers, boat houses, and an aerial adventure course, as well as the National Recreation and Park Association. Parks and recreational activities provide valuable opportunities for community building, physical activity, socialization, and stress relief. These spaces offer a respite from modern, fast-paced lifestyles and help preserve the natural environment. The design of The Woodlands emphasizes the enjoyment of personal and family life, enhancing communal living through a well-maintained natural and physical environment. Recognizing the economic and social value of parks, The Woodlands Township Parks and Recreation Department provides various positive programs, services, and events that benefit the entire community. Citizens are encouraged to participate in leisure activities to experience refreshment and enjoyment.
Pictured left to right: Secretary Linda Nelson, Director Cindy Heiser, Chairman Dr. Ann K. Snyder, Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation Pamela Woods, Director of Parks and Recreation John McGowan, Recreation Superintendent Lauren Miller, Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation Mitch Hall, Director Dr. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs and Treasurer Richard Franks.
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Consent Agenda Item 8.c was moved to the Regular Agenda for discussion.
AWARDED – Bid to Great Lake Marketing Research for the 2024 Resident Survey
The Woodlands Township conducts a resident survey every two years for budgeting and planning. For the 2024 survey, staff reviewed proposals from six firms and recommended Great Lakes Market Research (GLMR) for their previous experience and comprehensive survey options. GLMR will use mail, phone, and online surveys, targeting 7,600 households and expecting approximately 1,400 responses. Data collection runs from July 11 to August 11, 2024, with results reported on August 22, 2024. The Board awarded the bid with a four-to-one vote. Vice Chairman Kyle Watson and Director Brad Bailey were absent.
APPROVED – Tax Abatement Agreement
Aventus Development LLC and Bionova Scientific LLC have requested The Woodlands Township to enter a Tax Abatement Agreement similar to one approved by Montgomery County. The agreement pertains to Aventus' purchase of land at 2625 Research Forest Drive and the construction of a 100,000 square feet life sciences facility for Bionova. The project proposes $56.1 million in real property improvements, with the creation of 57 new full-time jobs over four years. The Township’s agreement, like the County’s, includes a graduated tax abatement schedule, minimum investment and employment requirements, and recapture provisions if conditions are not met. The facility must operate through 2038, with Bionova providing annual compliance reports. The Board unanimously approved the tax abatement request.
“It is truly exciting that The Woodlands Township supports Bionova’s expansion of their operations,” said Chairman Dr. Ann K. Snyder. “Bionova plays a critical role in providing life saving treatments.”
“This is a fabulous opportunity for us,” said Treasure Richard Franks. “I support this and other areas of improvement and expansion like this.”
ACCEPTED – Waste Management’s Report on Environmental Education and 2024 Highlights
The Woodlands Township's contract with Waste Management for waste collection and recycling services includes a vital educational component. This component allocates 1% of the previous year's total solid waste service expenditures to environmental education. For 2024, Waste Management will provide $78,020.06 for the Township's Environmental Education Programs. These funds, managed by the Environmental Services staff, support emerging issues, enhance existing programs and pilot new ones without replacing current budgets. Past projects funded include the Recycle Right Program, purchasing recycling equipment, sponsoring events like Earth Day GreenUp and Arbor Day, and producing publications such as recycling and donation guides. The Board unanimously accepted the report.
Pictured left to right: Director Cindy Heiser, Waste Management District Manager-Conroe Keith Reynolds, Enviromental Services Manager Megan McNairn, Chairman Dr. Ann K. Snyder, Environmental Education Coordinator Grace DeCarlo, Waste Management Senior Account Executive Public Sector Shanna Lopez, Director Dr. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs, Treasurer Richard Franks, and Secretary Linda Nelson.
ACCEPTED – Report on Fire Station 5 Construction
Fire Chief, Palmer Buck, updated the Board on the construction of the new Fire Station 5 at 8005 McBeth Way in the Village of Sterling Ridge. The land transfer from Brazos Transit District to The Woodlands Township is complete. Brookstone, the Construction Manager at Risk, is currently seeking subcontractor proposals. The building committee is finalizing interior finishes, and the Fire Department has discussed cost-sharing with Montgomery County Hospital District (MCHD), pending MCHD Board approval. The Guaranteed Maximum Price will be presented at the Township Board of Directors meeting in August, with a groundbreaking ceremony planned for the week of August 19. The Board unanimously accepted the report.
ACCEPTED – 2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and Single Audit Reports
Chief Financial Officer Kellan Shaw reviewed the 2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and the Single Audit Report with the Board. An independent audit of The Woodlands Township's 2023 financial records was conducted by Blazek & Vetterling, Certified Public Accountants. The audit confirmed that the financial statements accurately represent the Township's financial position and changes in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. Additional analysis required by federal guidelines for the Township’s transportation services showed no deficiencies or noncompliance issues. The auditors’ review of the "Audit Communications" letter indicated no significant adjustments, difficulties, or disagreements with management during the audit. The Board unanimously accepted the reports.
“The audit report is as expected,” said Treasure Richard Franks. "We are in good hands given the direction from our CFO, CEO and staff."
ACCEPTED – Financial Report Ending May 31, 2024
Chief Financial Officer Kellan Shaw presented the financials for 2024 through May 31. The year-to-date budgeted revenue was $81.6 million, while the actual revenue received was $82.1 million, resulting in a positive variance of $545,375. Budgeted expenditures were $52.5 million and actual expenditures were lower at $47.1 million, mainly due to the timing of service contracts. The budgeted sales tax revenue was $37.9 million, with actual receipts slightly under budget forecasts at $37.7 million, though there was a significant increase compared to June 2023 due to construction. Hotel occupancy tax revenue exceeded expectations, with $4.1 million received versus a budgeted $3.9 million, an overage of $238,613. Additionally, mixed-beverage tax revenue surpassed the forecasted $621,563, reaching $729,587. The Board unanimously accepted the report.
“It is pretty impressive to receive $1 million for one month of receipts in hotel occupancy tax,” said Secretary Linda Nelson.
ACCEPTED – Village Presidents’ Council Report
Treasurer Richard Franks briefed the Board on the most recent meeting of the Village Presidents’ Council. The meeting was well attended and focused on covenants, enforcement, abandoned properties and uncorrected violations. It was an excellent educational session that provided valuable insights, enabling our presidents to better assist their residents. The Board unanimously accepted the report.
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The Consent Agenda consists of non-controversial, or “housekeeping” items required by law. One motion with modifications, if applicable, approves for action, all items contained within the Consent Agenda. Items may be moved from the Consent Agenda to the Regular Agenda by a Board Member making such a request prior to a motion and vote. To view more information about each item, please review the Meeting Agenda online.
The following items were unanimously approved by the Board of Directors:
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VILLAGE ASSOCIATION REPORTS |
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Village Association
Village association presidents present reports to the Board each month regarding activities and news from the villages. The following gave reports for their respective village associations:
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Maryann Baird, Village of Alden Bridge
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JC Harville, Village of Cochran's Crossing
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Tom Schwarzkopf, Village of Sterling Ridge
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STREAM THE MEETING ONLINE |
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Click video player to watch the June 26, 2024 meeting online.
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This Boardroom Briefing is NOT the official minutes of the meeting. Official minutes are posted online upon review and approval by the Board of Directors. The Township holds regular meetings twice per month. Unless otherwise posted, meetings will occur on the third Thursday followed by the fourth Wednesday each month.
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